Case Readings for Constitutional Law 1 (Part 1)

Suggested Textbooks - Main textbook: J. Isagani Cruz (Political Law 1) [Note that the book Entitled
Constitutional Law by J. Cruz, is for Consti 2]; secondary: Fr. Bernas; supplemental: J. Nachura’s Outline;
supplemental: Comprehensive Primer of Fr. Bernas.

Preliminary Considerations –

I . Preamble – Memorize in verbatim

Jacobson v. Massachussetts, 197 US. 11, 22, 1905 (Preamble, not a source of rights or of
obligations)

Note: It is useful as an aid in ascertaining the meaning of ambiguous provisions in the body
of the constitution (Fr. Bernas, 2011)

II. The Constitution of the Philippines

De Leon v. Esguerra, 1987

Manila Prince Hotel v. GSIS, 1997

Francisco v. House of Representatives, 2003

III. The Concept of the State

Gov. of Philippine Island v. Monte de Piedad, 1916

Co Kim Cham v. Valdez Tan Keh, 1945

Ruffy v. Chief of Staff, 1946

Laurel v. Misa, 1947

Bacani v. NACOCO, 1956

Collector of Internal Revenue v. Campos Rueda, 1971

People v. Gozo, 1973

Philippine Virginia Tobacco Administration v. CIR, 1975

Magallona v. Ermita, 2011

Latin Maxims – Memorize in Verbatim and their meanings and application

“Parens patriae”

“Salus populi est suprema lex”

IV. National Territory

Memorize in Verbatim Article I: The National Territory

R.A. 3046 “ An Act to Define the Baselines of the Territorial Sea of the Philippines,” as
amended by R.A. 9522

People v. Gozo, 1973

Reagan v. Commissioner, 1969

Magallona v. Ermita, 2011

V. Amendments and Revisions

R.A. 6735
Articles XVII of the 1987 Constitutioin

Gonzales v. COMELEC, 1967

Imbong v. COMELEC, 1970

Occena v. COMELEC, 1971

Sanidad v. COMELEC, 1976

Province of Cotabato v. The Government of The RP Peace Panel on Ancestral Domain, 2008

Santiago v. COMELEC, 1997